Opera
Reviews of full operas as well as collections and recitals of arias
Verdi: Ernani (Naxos)
There are better choices on CD and on video [GF]
Massenet: Thaïs (Chandos)
Massenet’s opera is superbly rejuvenated in a recording which sweeps the field of all other versions [MP]
Flotow: Piano Concertos No. 1 & 2, Overtures (cpo)
Melodious, undemanding but always skilful and enjoyable light music [RMo]
Bellini: La Sonnambula (Warner Classics)
Anyone contemplating purchase of this set will be buying it for Maria Callas, and it is worthwhile for this alone [JP]
Charpentier’s Louise
by Ralph Moore
Rimsky-Korsakov: Christmas Eve (Naxos)
A dazzling achievement all around [MP]
Wagner: Die Walküre (Sterling)
Fine conducting and orchestral playing and an impressive Brünnhilde – but compromised by a poor Siegmund and a weak Wotan [RMo]
Puccini: Manon Lescaut (Pristine Audio)
A so-so “classic” recording [RMas]
Cherubini: Medea (Pristine Audio)
Pristine’s revitalising of the sound here goes a long way towards countering any criticism of Callas’ sole studio recording of Medea [RMo]
More Recordings from Robert Massard’s Discography
by Ralph Moore
Delibes: Lakmé (Naxos)
A musically splendid new video production of Delibes’s opera can do little to mask the more unsavoury aspects of the story [PCG]
Mozart: Mitridate, re di Ponto (Erato)
Minkowski’s second fine period-instrument recording of Mitridate [DF[
Donizetti: La favorite (Dynamic)
“La favorite” is well served in a complete new edition, well sung and staged [RWe]
Tchaikovsky: Iolanta & The Nutcracker (C Major)
A conflation of opera and ballet, well-staged and performed, more than a seasonal song-and-dance show [RWe]
Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (Pristine Audio)
Callas’ stereo remake is a more mature and inward reading of the role – now in even fresher sound [GF]
Hindemith: Cardillac (BR Klassik)
An excellent recording of a gripping but not loveable work [SB]
Puccini: Tosca (Unitel Editions)
Three impressive lead singers in a remarkably innovative staging which leaves the historic context far behind [RWe]
Puccini: Tosca (Pentatone)
A sonically splendid recording of Tosca overshadowed by ghosts from the past [PT]
Gluck: Orfeo ed Euridice (Opus Arte)
Dame Janet Baker’s unparalleled stage performance of Orfeo makes a triumphant return to the catalogues [PCG]
Rossini: La donna del lago (C Major)
A musically outstanding but unusual production of Rossini’s splendid opera [RWe]
Wagner: Siegfried (BR Klassik)
Simon Rattle’s traversal of the Ring finally reaches Siegfried, with highly recommendable results [PCG]
Humperdinck: Königskinder (Naxos)
Impressive and likely to remain unchallenged for a very long time [MP]
Tchaikovsky: Eugene Onegin (Opus Arte)
A superbly realised version of Tchaikovsky’s essentially domestic opera avoids any elements of tragic inflation [PCG]
Schreker: Der Schatzgräber (Naxos)
A first video release of a rare Schreker opera deserves a heartfelt welcome [PCG]
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